I’m not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way, How the Grinch Stole Christmas became an absolute must at some point during the season. Whether it’s the original from 1966, the live action version from 2000, or the 2018 animation with Benedict Cumberbatch, the Key girls would tell you no Christmas is complete without at least one viewing… of each!
Since we talked last week about Ebenezer Scrooge and the transformation he experienced, I thought it only fair to give the Grinch a little time as well. In an effort to get out of joining the festivities down in Whoville, the Grinch (played by Jim Carrey, 2000) runs through his schedule in an effort to avoid being a part of any celebrations:
4:00, wallow in self-pity. 4:30, stare into the abyss.
5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one.
5:30, jazzercise.
6:00, dinner with me. I can’t cancel that again.
7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing. I’m booked!
Of course, if I bump the loathing to 9, I could still be done in time to lay in bed, stare at the ceiling, and slip slowly into madness.
But something happens inside the Grinch, literally and figuratively. And by the story’s conclusion, his entire perspective has been transformed.
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.”
“Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.”
Like Mr. Scrooge, Mr. Grinch experiences a change of heart. While Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) no more intended a Gospel message than Charles Dickens did, both give us a picture of what Paul wrote in his letters… to the Romans: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. As well as to the Ephesians: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of His calling…
Praying we each experience the “little bit more” this Christmas!